Cortland, NY Circus Lion Attack, May 1946

CIRCUS LION ATTACKS TRAINER AT CORTLAND

CORTLAND, (AP).---The lion tamer with the James M. Cole circus was attacked last night during his act by one of his lions.

The tamer, Eugene Christie, was putting five lions through their paces, in a large cage set up in a tent. Suddenly he slipped on the wet grass, and one of the lions leaped on him.

An attendant fired a volley of blanks into the cage. The lion retreated, and other attendants were able to carry the trainer to safety.

Christie was taken to a hospital where several stitches were required to close a wound in his leg. He proceeded today with the show to Norwich.

Syracuse Herald Journal, Syracuse, NY 28 May 1946